The county and city of Schenectady have collaborated on a project to fix the bike path in the Stockade just in time for the neighborhood’s annual Walkabout and Riverfront Faire.
For the past two weeks, crews from the city’s Department of General Services have been cutting back brush and pruning trees so the county’s Department of Public Works and Engineering could pave and widen the path.
County Legislator Karen Johnson, D-Schenectady, said the project would make improvements to the trail between Washington and Ingersoll avenues to improve the trail’s appearance and enhance security.
Helping to enhance the scenic riverfront section of the county’s bike trail offered a perfect opportunity to help improve one of Schenectady’s great resources, Johnson said. `We approached the city about partnering with us on this project to ensure we could have it completed in time for the Stockade Walkabout.`
The Stockade neighborhood is the oldest in New York and is the oldest continuously occupied neighborhood in the country. The neighborhood is located near the Mohawk River and draws people from throughout the county by way of the Mohawk Hudson Bike-Hike Trail.
`This project benefits the residents of not only the Stockade, but also the many people who travel from throughout the region to enjoy the bike path and its majestic views of the Mohawk River,` Mayor Brian Stratton said.
The Stockade Neighborhood Association hosted its 48th annual Stockade Walkabout Saturday, Sept. 29. It featured a tour of some of the oldest homes and buildings in the county, some dating back to the 17th century. Docents were stationed at each home to provide historical and architectural information about the properties.
Gordon said this is the Stockade Association’s major fundraiser. This year is the group’s 50th anniversary.
`We have some phenomenal homes for our 50th anniversary,` Gordon said. `We sought to showcase the really stellar houses, and I think we’ve succeeded.`
Gordon said there are 18 stops in all, 10 homes and eight adopted-use buildings including the Stockade Inn, which was built in 1820.
Gordon said she is very pleased that the county and city have fixed the bike path area in time for the festival. Gordon said she made a bet with County Legislator Vincent DiCerbo, D-Schenectady, that he wouldn’t have the project completed in time, but now that it’s finished, she has to put a sign up thanking the city and county for their efforts.
`They have done a beautiful job,` Gordon said. `A lot of people push their strollers down there and run or walk along the river. They cut back lot of trees, which has improved the views across the river. It was a joint effort between the city and county, and they have just done a phenomenal job.`
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